One Hand Don't Clap

'One Hand Don't Clap' is a documentary that seeks to celebrate calypso music through an equally stimulating and irreverent journey. Through the conversations and performances of two great legends, we move from the studios in New York to the streets during the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. These artists are Lord Kitchener and Calypso Rose. Both discuss the beginnings of their careers, where we delve into their rehearsals and work.

With Kitchener are also Lord Pretender and Growling Tiger. They look back at London in the late 1940s, where he and Calypso gained international popularity. Fifteen years later, he returns to Trinidad and takes a year to regain his popularity and reclaim his space. All of this is interspersed with scenes from the Trinidad Carnival where young talents participate in an annual singing contest, with Kitchener himself serving as the master of ceremonies.

It is a way to explore their story, the story of the music, and the highs and lows of their careers. Directed by Kavery Kaul, formerly known as Kavery Dutta. The American filmmaker born in Kolkata is known for her work in films like 'The Bengali' and 'Cuban Canvas.' This documentary, 'One Hand Don't Clap', premiered in 1991, becoming her second work in her career.